11 Oct Getting a Homeowners Insurance Quote in Massachusetts Only Takes a Few Minutes
Did you know that you can get a homeowners insurance quote in just a few minutes?
Yes, getting a homeowners quote can only take a few minutes! The key is to have the necessary information/paperwork ready in advance when you are ready to make the call for a quote. Here’s a checklist to help you get started for your homeowners quote.
- Occupants – You may be asked for contact information about you and anyone else who lives at your house, how long you’ve lived there, your marital status, whether you run a business from the home and whether you own a dog or any pets.
- Insurance History – It’s good to be ready with details about your existing coverage. Do you have a mortgage on the home? Are there any prior insurance claims?
- Description of House – You’ll likely be asked a series of questions, including the year your house was built, the type and age of the roof, the style of the home, its exterior finish and whether or not you have a garage. You’ll also probably want to know the square footage of your home and may be asked for details on the number of bathrooms or fireplaces. This information helps determine the cost to rebuild your home and may help with determining the amount of coverage that fits your needs.
- Improvements Made – If you have made upgrades to your home since you bought it, such as replacing the roof, installing a central air system, finishing your basement, remodeling a kitchen or other updates that increase the value of your home, your existing homeowners policy may not reflect the current value and replacement cost.
- Security Devices – If you have certain safety devices, including smart or connected home technology, a security system or fire sprinklers, you may qualify for a discount on your insurance.
Having this information available, will make it easier for you to get a quote and get you the right coverage to protect you and your family.
Is Your Home Insured to Its Replacement Cost?
If you lost your home in a fire, how much would it cost to rebuild it? The answer may be different than you think. Rebuilding costs could differ from what you paid for your home and be more than its current market value – what it would sell for today – especially in areas where the value of real estate has changed. A replacement estimate includes costs to rebuild your home component by component. Current costs for labor, materials and contractor fees may influence the replacement cost of your house.
Some key factors that affect the
cost of rebuilding a home:
- Total living area (square footage).
- Style of home (e.g., ranch, contemporary, colonial).
- Construction type (e.g., frame or brick).
- Number of kitchens and bathrooms.
- Quality of custom materials.
- Garage type (e.g., attached, detached, built-in).
- Special features (e.g., fireplaces, porches, skylights).
- Additions or enhancements (e.g., finished basements or in-law apartments).
It’s important to have a current estimate for your home’s replacement cost, one that reflects any significant improvements that you have made to the house.
Here are some steps that you can take:
- Talk to your agent or insurance representative about the dwelling coverage on your homeowners insurance policy.
- Talk to your agent or insurance representative who have tools to help estimate your home’s replacement cost.
- Check in on your home’s replacement cost yearly, especially after making improvements to your home. Remember, even small improvements can affect the cost to rebuild your home.
At McClure, we will make sure your home is insured to its full estimated replacement cost.